Osvaldo's revenge on Denmark

Dani Osvaldo credits Southampton with his rediscovered calm and joked that he took revenge on Denmark for Euro 2004.

DaniOsvaldo credits Southampton with his rediscovered calm and joked that he took revenge on Denmark for Euro 2004.

“It went well and we struggled a little, but found the right result at the end. I thought of trapping the ball that way to surprise the defender and was fortunate it worked,” he said of the 2-2 draw in Copenhagen.[12]

“It was a pretty good goal, but the important thing is that thankfully it was useful to get a draw away from home against a strong side.

“Every time I am called upon I try to give my best, then the Coach will decide if I play, where and alongside who. I am simply happy to be part of this squad, though of course everyone wants to play.

“Fortunately I don’t read the papers, especially not when I am going to play, so I’m not affected by controversy.”

Osvaldo was at Euro 2004 and was asked whether this was sweet revenge for the infamous Denmark 2-2 Sweden that knocked Italy out?

“Many years have passed, so it’s only a game.... But it was nice,” he laughed.

“I dedicate the goal to my girlfriend, my children and the little one who is on the way.”

Osvaldo was frozen out of the Confederations Cup after breaking the code of ethics, but Mario Balotelli was allowed in because his three-match Serie A ban has already expired. Are there worries these two will break the code before the World Cup?

“It’s clear a player at international level has to set the example. We need to behave well. Both Mario and I have unusual personalities, but I don’t think it’ll be a problem!” he giggled.

“Especially right now I am relaxed, working hard and trying to give my best. The move to Southampton provided me with a more relaxed environment and they showed me affection from the start. People experience football differently there, as once the game is over, it’s over.

“I am very happy to see Roma on top of the table and hope they can continue along this path. I do not regret leaving. I miss my friends in that locker room, as despite everything that was said we cared about each other, but Southampton are doing pretty well too.

“I think that I am slowly gaining my form, as at the start of the season I wasn’t in the best shape and am getting to the right fitness levels now.”

The game in Copenhagen seemed to change when Alberto Gilardino came off the bench in the final minutes.

“We were losing and didn’t have control of the game, so we know Gila holds the ball up and supports the other strikers, so it’s easier to find space when you’re alongside him,” noted Osvaldo.

“The important thing is that we keep getting results, it doesn’t matter who plays in which system. When there is a victory, everyone is happy in the group, whether they played every game or none of them.”